For many people, their introduction to the termohanacame from the Disney movieLilo & Stitch. While this is a lovely film that uses an unlikely friendship between ayoung Hawaiiangirl and an aliencreatureto demonstrate the power of thisconcept, in Hawaiian cultureohanais more than justacute phrase.
On the islands of Hawaii,ohanameans family, but it is not limited to the members of a nuclearfamily;instead, itrefersto a broadernetworkof cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.In fact, one’sohanacan be made up of anyone:friends, family, and coworkers all fall under the umbrella ofohana,as long asthey honor and respect the collective group and care for each other.
To be part ofohanameans to be partofa family, whether through blood relations or not.
There are some who say thatohanais a case of cultural construction that was invented in the 1950’s as part of a political campaign to construct a unified Hawaiianidentity, however at this point the true origins of the word seem irrelevant.Ohana is as real as the waves on the beach andthetrees in the hills; it unites the people on the islands in a way that transcends politicsandpettiness.Ohana is family andohanais Hawaii.
1. Black and Gray Ohana Tattoos
Tattoos, like all forms of self-expression, are personal and consideration shouldalwaysbe given to the style and method that will be utilized in a new piece.Some people prefer bright colors astheway toshow off their vibrant personality and outgoing attitude. For others however, a more subdued approach is more in line with their sensibilities and for these folks black and gray is an excellent choice.
While black and gray work is suitable for a variety of different themes and subjects, it is particularlyappropriate for these family inspired pieces, adding a sense of elegance and grace that can be difficult to achieve with a brighter colorpalette.
2. Lilo and Stitch Ohana Tattoos
“Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” This simple phrase sums up the core of the concept ofohana, andis at the heart of this charming Disney movie.Stitch is ahybrid alien-creature created in a lab that yearns for freedom,until heescapes and hightails it to Earth,werehe meets Lilo.
While intergalactic forces try to trackdownStitch, Lilo—a young Hawaiian girl—through perseverance, love and the power ofohana,helpsStitch to change his ways and eventually become part of the family.
This is a lovely movie that teaches the importance of love, familyand forgiveness, while the unique animation and clever humor provide a wealth of inspiration forohanatattoos.
3. Minimalist Ohana Tattoos
Sometimes, less is more and these minimalist designs demonstrate this ethos perfectly.A talented artistis able touse a few well-placed lines, or some simple script, to perfectly capture theessential elements in a piece without the need for complex designs or intricate compositions.
This understated approach is perfect for theseohanadesigns thanks to a clean application and the powerful concept behind these meaningful tattoos, allowing the wearers to proudly display the importance of family in their lives.
4. Delicate Ohana Tattoos
While Western tattoo work started in the American traditional school that emphasizes bold lines—both for their stylistic appeal as well as for their penchant for longevity—many people prefer a lessheavy handedapproach.For these folks a delicate application of ink that is reminiscent of pen and ink sketches andfountain pen calligraphyis more appealing than the pinup girls, anchors and skulls common inAmerican traditional flash.
Luckily for them,many artists appreciate this style and have become extremely adept at using delicate line work to create interesting designs, manyof which are perfectly suited forohanatattoos.
5. Watercolor Ohana Tattoos
A trend that has been gaining popularity in the tattoo world uses vibrant colors and a looser approach to perfectly recreate the effect of watercolor paintings applied on the skin.
Often using black ink to create an outline or add script, this approach is great forohanatattoosthanks to the positive vibes they create andtheendless possibility ofconceptsandelements that can be incorporated into this style.
While these bright pieces aredefinitely notfor everyone, there is no doubt that these strikingtattooswill continue to turn heads for years to come.
6. Ohana Script Tattoos
Adding script to a tattoo is a great way to take some of the ambiguity of significance out of the equation and let the observer know in the clearest of terms what the tattoo means to the wearer.
The endlessvariety of styles,fonts, typefaces and scripts—from block letters to the elaborate cursive of Chicano tattoos—meansthat there is some letteringout there for every tattoo.
7. Ohana Tattoos With Flowers
People have been getting flowers inked on their bodies for hundreds of years; rosesin particular havebeen hanging on flash sheets in shops for about as long as there have been flash sheets, or shops for that matter.
Given the deep and varied significance we place on flowers it is no surprise that people choose to get them tattooedon their skin. Incorporating flowers intoohanatattoos is especially appropriategiven the hundreds of differenttropical flowers that are found on the HawaiianIslands, particularly yellow hibiscus, the state flower.
8. Innovative Ohana Tattoos
Tattoo artists are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of ink permanently applied to skin. From the development of hyper-realistic color pieces that look like they’re jumping off the skin, to bio mechanical work that makes you do a double take, tattoos are constantly changing and evolving.
These are some greatohanapieces that allow artists to take a variety of approaches, in different styles to create uniquetattoos dedicated to thisHawaiianidea of family.
9. Family Tattoos
As we now know,ohanameans family, and as such it is no surprise that people choose to incorporate this Hawaiianwordinto tattoos thatdepictpictures of family members embracing each other.These sweet designs perfectly capture the essence of this concept, showing mothers and daughters, fathers and sonsallcaring for each other in these straightforward tattoosthat demonstratethe strength of family bonds.
Ohana Tattoo FAQs
What doohanatattoos mean?
Out of all the different things that people use to tattoos to commemorate and memorialize, family is right at the top, and in the simplest sense,ohanameans family. It is no surprise then that people choose to get this Hawaiian word inked on their skin.It goes deeper than that, though. Ohana is a support network of the most important people in one’s life, whether they are blood relatives or not.
In this wayohanaismorethan family. Ohana eschews the concept of family being a static unit and instead treats it as a malleable group that grows and changes. On our journey through life ourohanagets larger as we meet more people who share the same values and sense of responsibilityfor each other, gaining new membersasthey present themselves.
This is whyohanapieces make for such great matching tattoos. There is no better way to demonstrate to the world thata group ofpeople are “brothers(or sisters)from another mother” than with matchingohanainspired designs.
